Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA), a Category A Public Enterprise responsible for the regulation of Civil Aviation in the Kingdom of Eswatini and the operation of King Mswati III International Airport. ESWACAA carries out its mandate in conformity with International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
ESWACAA invites suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of Search and Rescue Coordinator tenable in the Air Navigation Services Department. The position reports to the Chief Air Traffic Control and Search and Rescue Officer and will be stationed at King Mswati III International Airport (Sikhuphe).
JOB PURPOSE:
To promote aviation safety by coordinating, managing, and directing the functionality of the Search and Rescue (SAR) response during incident and accident operations in accordance with ICAO standards and Annex 12.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Mbabane
- Category: Aviation
- Closing Date: 2026-07-31
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain a 24-hour SAR service and serve as a reliable SAR Point of Contact (SPOC).
- Coordinate rescue operations and maintain seamless cooperation across all role players.
- Consolidate and maintain a database for 406MHz distress beacons (ELT, EPIRB, and PLB).
- Conduct investigations into SAR-related incidents and accidents.
- Analyse post-exercise and post-incident reports to identify systemic weaknesses, subsequently updating the Manual of Air Navigation Services Operations (MANSOPS) to reflect “lessons learned”.
- Conduct “tabletop” simulation drills to evaluate the decision-making process of SAR personnel under high-stress, simulated distress scenarios.
- Regularly audit the accuracy of SAR-related aeronautical charts and flight planning data to ensure the most current topography and obstacle information is available to aircrews.
- Oversee the maintenance and calibration of technical SAR-specific software and hardware to ensure they remain compatible with international aviation standards.
- Represent the Authority at regional SAR committee meetings to harmonize procedures with neighbouring countries, ensuring seamless cross-border rescue operations.
- Maintain active communication channels with international bodies (such as ICAO or regional monitoring centres) to integrate new global distress monitoring protocols into local operations.
- Participate in the amendment of Airport Emergency Orders and contribute to organizational SMS goals.
- Conduct regular briefing sessions for departments and external stakeholders regarding procedural amendments.
- Ensure all operations conform to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ICAO Annexes, and local legislation.
- Develop and maintain formal Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
Requirements
- Certificate in Approach Procedural or Radar Control
- Search Mission Coordinator Course
- Aeronautical Search and Rescue Specialist Course.
- Advanced SAR Training
- Instructor/Assessor Certification
- Experience in Emergency Management
- At least three (3) years of working experience as a licensed Approach-rated ATCO.
- At least two (2) years of working experience as a Search Mission Coordinator
- Full Aviation Security Clearance.
- Expertise in SAR planning processes, SAR applications, and procurement procedures.
- Proficiency in map reading, plotting, and office management applications.
- Competence in presentation applications and instructional techniques.
- Strong leadership, people management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Critical thinking, spatial awareness, and effective priority management.
- Excellent communication and research skills, combined with the flexibility to adapt to operational demands.
- Decisiveness, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Time management skills
How to Apply
Apply by email: recruitment@eswacaa.co.sz
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for the Search and Rescue Coordinator role at ESWACAA?
Applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree in aviation, emergency management, engineering, or a related field, plus formal SAR training recognised by ICAO or the Southern African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). Experience with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of Eswatini or prior coordination of multi-agency SAR operations in the region is highly valued.
What does a typical day look like for a Search and Rescue Coordinator at ESWACAA?
Daily duties include monitoring aviation distress frequencies, coordinating responses with NDMA, police, fire services, and volunteer groups like the Eswatini Red Cross, and maintaining SAR plans aligned with ICAO Annex 12 and national legislation. You’ll also conduct briefings, update incident logs, and participate in joint drills—often involving rural terrain and variable communication infrastructure common in Eswatini.
How does the local work culture in Eswatini affect expectations for this role?
Respect for hierarchy and consensus-driven decision-making are central; coordinators must engage respectfully with traditional leadership (e.g., chiefs) during community-level SAR operations, especially in rural areas. Punctuality and formal communication are expected, but flexibility is needed when adapting to power outages, road conditions, or seasonal weather disruptions affecting response timelines.
What realistic career progression paths exist after working as a SAR Coordinator at ESWACAA?
With experience and further certification (e.g., ICAO Level 3 Safety Management or SACAA-approved leadership courses), officers may advance to Senior SAR Officer or Aviation Safety Inspector roles within ESWACAA. Others transition into national disaster policy roles with NDMA or regional positions with the SADC Air Navigation Planning Group, leveraging Eswatini’s active participation in regional aviation safety frameworks.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, or pension—can a SAR Coordinator expect in this role?
ESWACAA staff are covered under the Government of Eswatini’s Public Service Pension Scheme and entitled to statutory annual leave (22 days), sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per the Employment Act, 1980. Medical aid is typically provided through the Government Health Insurance Scheme, with coverage extending to dependants and access to public hospitals and designated private facilities.
How do I apply for this role, and what do employers in Eswatini specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are submitted via the ESWACAA website or the Public Service Commission portal when vacancies are advertised in the *Times of Swaziland* or on the government’s e-Government portal. Employers prioritise proven inter-agency coordination experience, fluency in siSwati and English, familiarity with Eswatini’s geography and emergency protocols, and evidence of integrity—often verified through vetting by the Royal Eswatini Police Service.